Fall Athletics Registration Now Open

Greetings Pelham Community,

I hope this email finds you enjoying your summer. My first few weeks have been exciting as I learn more about our wonderful community. I am excited to embark on my first school year here in the Pelham Public Schools and am sending out this email to help familiarize families with how to register and participate in interscholastic athletics, which are available to all students in 7th-12th grade.   

Description - Like all other public schools in New York, our athletic program must comply with State and Sectional regulations from our governing bodies. We have three distinct seasons for participation; Fall, Winter & Spring. Students are allowed to play on one school-based team per season. The full list of offerings can be found on the Athletics website.   

Registration - Registration for Fall Sports is now open. Parents/guardians must use Final Forms to register their child for athletics. This allows us to collect important information, build rosters, and ensure all students are medically safe for participation. Typically, Final Forms will be open for registration 30 days prior to the first day of a season. Please register using Final Forms. 

Physicals – Families are encouraged to have a sports physical with their private pediatrician. Pediatricians commonly administer sport physicals and typically have all of the required paperwork. The physical form needs to be uploaded on to Final Forms and is valid for one year. The Pelham Public Schools medical team will review all physicals and determine if a student is cleared for participation. Physicals will also be offered at the school on August 16 from 10am-12pm and August 21 from 1-2pm. Please have your child inform their coach if they plan on attending the school physical.

Access the Health Examination Form.

Start Dates

Fall Season

JV/Varsity (Gr. 9-12) - 8/21/2023

Modified (Gr. 7-8) - 9/7/2023

Winter Season

JV/Varsity (Gr. 9-12) - 11/13/2023

Modified (Gr. 7-8) - 11/20/2023

Spring Season

JV/Varsity (Gr. 9-12) - 3/11/2024

Modified (Gr. 7-8) - 3/18/2024

NYSPHSAA- Start Dates 7-Year Calendar

Levels of Competition - In New York there are two exclusive levels of competition.

• Intermediate - Modified: Grades 7 - 8
• Commencement - Freshman, JV, Varsity: Grades 9 - 12

Athletic Placement Process (APP) - The New York State Education Department has created a process by which exceptionally talented student-athletes in 7th & 8th grade can be assessed to determine their readiness to “play up” on a commencement level athletic team. Details about the APP can be found on the Athletics website.    

Coach Contact Information - A list of our coaches’ emails can be found on the Athletics website under Student and Parent Resources.   

Chain of Communication - Items that need discussion often come up throughout the season. First, we ask that you speak directly with your child for all of the relevant details. The next step would be to address any concerns with your child’s coach. If you have additional questions or an issue remains unresolved, please contact the Athletic Director. We are here to help and suggest this communication model should you need answers.  

Schedules - Competition Schedules can be found on the Athletics website. Families are also encouraged to download the rschooltoday app. Follow the question prompt to have your child’s competition schedule right on your phone. 

Practice Schedules - Tentative practice schedules will be posted on the website, but families should know that locations and times will change throughout the course of the season. Your child will get those changes from the coach as they occur.  

Sincerely,

Joe Toombs 

Director of Physical Education, Health & Athletics